Fresh faced Milan to start with a bang
On Sunday evening AC Milan begin their season by receiving Genoa to the San Siro. There’s an air of positivity around Milan these days since their new American owners took over and appointed former Milan legends Leonardo and Paolo Maldini in directorial roles behind the scenes. Even better, Milan have enhanced their squad since last season while Genoa continue to be underwhelming. With Gonzalo Higuain now amongst Milan’s ranks, the Argentine will be out to spoil Genoa’s Sunday roast.
AC Milan
It’s been a tumultuous few years for the Rossoneri faithful, but things finally seem to be looking up. They have a seemingly stronger and more dedicated ownership, with club legends in key positions throughout the club. They’ve also brought in Higuain, Caldara and Bakayoko who are welcome additions throughout the pitch.
I wouldn’t be surprised if they clinch a Champions League spot
Overall, the Rossoneri look like they’ve got a promising squad going forward into the campaign, and in pre-season they’ve put in some commendable performances against big name teams, managing a win against Barcelona, and just missing out to Spurs and Real Madrid, with only a penalty shoot out separating them from Man United.
I’m excited to see what Milan can manage this season in Serie A, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they clinch a Champions League spot by the end of the season in May. True, there’s a lot of hard work to be done and much for Gattuso to learn as a coach, but at the moment the positives definitely outweigh the negatives in the red half of Milan.
They’ve got a solid offensive line with Higuain who if he can stays fit is pretty much guaranteeing you 20+ goals a season. Then there’s Çalhanoğlu and Suso who can both deliver the ball and finish it.
Genoa
Genoa seem to be a club in a perennial transition phase with no clear final destination. The top brass has talked big about them being a club ready to take it to the next phase, but in actuality there’s never any real progress.
I think they’re ready for a fight but will only just manage to finish above the drop zone
During the summer, Genoa have strengthened their squad on the whole despite losing Perin and Izzo. Lapadula is now a Genoa player, while Criscito is a welcome addition, but all in all it’s been a difficult summer.
I think they’re ready for a fight but will only just manage to finish above the drop zone. Losing goalkeeper Perin to Juve, and key centre back Izzo will cause them problems. Combine that with the firepower Milan have at their disposal and I think Genoa are likely to let in quite a few come Sunday.
Match Tips
I see Milan as clear favourites in this battle. The opener at San Siro will see Milan with a new found gusto with great new additions both on and off the pitch and they’ll want to give Genoa a smashing.
Milan will dominate and I’m going for Milan -1 (Asian Handicap) at odds of 19/20 (1.95) with Bethard.
Post bet chat Janek's Tips:
Postponed game.